The Toei Ōedo Line is a subway line in Tokyo, Japan. It is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, commonly known as Toei. The line was opened in December 1991 and is named after the Ōedo era, which spanned from 1603 to 1868. The line is colored magenta on maps and station signs.
The Toei Ōedo Line is the longest subway line in Tokyo, spanning 40.7 kilometers and serving 38 stations. It runs in a loop around the city center, connecting major commercial and residential areas such as Shinjuku, Roppongi, and Tsukiji. The line is known for its distinctive retro-futuristic design, which includes hexagonal station structures and colorful lighting.
The line will also provide access to the New Harry Potter Theme Park which is opening on the old Toshimaen Amusement Park site in June 2023.
History of Toei Ōedo Line
Operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation or Toei for short, the line opened on December 12, 1991, and is the longest circular subway line in Japan, with a total length of 40.7 kilometers and an impressive 38 stations.
The construction of the Toei Ōedo Line was started in 1982, and it took nine years to complete. The line was built to relieve congestion on other subway lines in Tokyo and to provide better access to the city’s major transportation hubs, such as Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Roppongi.
The line’s name, Ōedo, means “Great Edo,” which was the former name of Tokyo during the Edo period. The line’s logo features a stylized image of a lantern, which is a symbol of the Edo period.
Since its opening, the Toei Ōedo Line has undergone several extensions and improvements, including the addition of new stations and the introduction of new train models. Today, the line is an important part of Tokyo’s transportation network, serving millions of passengers every day.
Map
Here’s a map of the line:
Route
The Toei Ōedo Line runs in a loop around the city, connecting many popular tourist destinations and business districts. The line is 40.7 kilometers long and has 38 stations. The line is color-coded magenta on maps and station signs.
The line begins at Tochōmae Station in Shinjuku and runs counterclockwise around the city. The line passes through the following wards and neighborhoods: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato, Chuo, Koto, Sumida, Taito, Bunkyo, and Shinagawa. The line connects to many other subway lines, including the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, and the Toei Shinjuku Line.
Some of the notable stations on the Toei Ōedo Line include:
- Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station: This station is near the west exit of Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. It is also near many popular tourist attractions, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Kabukicho.
- Roppongi Station: This station is in the Roppongi Hills complex, which includes many shops, restaurants, and some stylish observation decks. The station is also near the Mori Art Museum.
- Tsukiji Station: This station is near the Tsukiji Fish Market, which was one of the largest fish markets in the world before closing. The station is also near the Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple and the Ginza shopping district.
- Ryogoku Station: Near the Ryogoku Kokugikan, a sumo wrestling arena, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the Sumida Hokusai Museum.
As you can see the Toei Ōedo Line is an important transportation option and gives you easy access to many popular destinations.
Stations
Here’s a list of all the stations on the line with transfers.
Station No. | Station Name | Transferring Lines |
---|---|---|
E-28 | Hikarigaoka | None |
E-27 | Nerima-Kasugacho | None |
E-26 | Toshimaen | Seibu Toshima Line |
E-25 | Nerima | Seibu Ikebukuro Line |
E-24 | Shin-egota | None |
E-23 | Nakai | Seibu Shinjuku Line, Toei Shinjuku Line |
E-22 | Ochiai-minaminagasaki | None |
E-21 | Higashi-nakano | JR Chuo-Sobu Line |
E-20 | Nakano-sakaue | Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line |
E-19 | Nishi-shinjuku-gochome | None |
E-18 | Tochomae | None |
E-17 | Kokuritsu-kyogijo | None |
E-16 | Yoyogi | JR Yamanote Line, JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Toei Shinjuku Line |
E-15 | Shinjuku | JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Lines, Odakyu Line, Keio Line |
E-14 | Higashi-shinjuku | Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line |
E-13 | Wakamatsu-kawada | None |
E-12 | Ushigome-yanagicho | None |
E-11 | Ushigome-kagurazaka | None |
E-10 | Iidabashi | JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Lines |
E-09 | Kasuga | Tokyo Metro Mita Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line |
E-08 | Hongo-sanchome | Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line |
E-07 | Ueno-okachimachi | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line |
E-06 | Shin-okachimachi | None |
E-05 | Kuramae | Toei Asakusa Line |
E-04 | Ryogoku | JR Sobu Line |
E-03 | Morishita | Toei Shinjuku Line |
E-02 | Kiyosumi-shirakawa | Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line |
E-01 | Monzen-nakacho | Tokyo Metro Tozai Line |
E-24A | Tsukishima | Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line |
E-23A | Kachidoki | None |
E-22A | Tsukijishijo | None |
E-21A | Shiodome | JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Yurikamome |
E-20A | Daimon | Toei Asakusa Line |
E-19A | Akabanebashi | None |
E-18A | Azabu |
Fares and Tickets
The fare system is based on distance, so the farther you travel, the more you pay. However, the fares are quite reasonable, and the ticketing system is straightforward and easy to use.
There are several types of tickets available for Toei Ōedo Line, including:
- Single tickets: These tickets are valid for one ride on Toei Ōedo Line. They can be purchased at ticket vending machines or ticket counters at each station.
- IC cards: IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca can be used on Toei Ōedo Line. They are rechargeable and can be used for multiple rides on Toei Ōedo Line and other transportation systems, including buses and trains.
- Day passes: Toei Ōedo Line offers a One-Day Pass, which allows unlimited rides on Toei Ōedo Line for one day. This pass can be purchased at ticket vending machines or ticket counters at each station.
The fares for Toei Ōedo Line range from ¥130 to ¥340, depending on the distance traveled. The fare for a single ride from Tochōmae Station to Hikarigaoka Station, the longest distance on the line, is ¥340.
Services and Facilities
The Toei Ōedo Line gives you a range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey for its passengers. Here’s a few of the key services and facilities available on the line:
- Accessibility: All stations on the Toei Ōedo Line are wheelchair accessible, with elevators and escalators available at all stations.
- Free Wi-Fi: Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi onboard all trains on the Toei Ōedo Line. This makes it easy to stay connected and get work done while on the move.
- Reserved seating: The Toei Ōedo Line offers reserved seating on some of its trains. This is a great option for passengers who want a guaranteed seat and a more comfortable journey.
- Baggage storage: Some stations on the Toei Ōedo Line offer coin-operated lockers where passengers can store their luggage. This is a convenient option for those who want to explore the city without having to carry their bags around with them.
In addition to these services and facilities, the Toei Ōedo Line also offers a range of ticket options to suit different needs and budgets. These include regular tickets, commuter passes, and discount tickets for tourists.
Future Developments
Here are a few of the future developments planned for the line:
- Extension to Tama City: The Toei Ōedo Line is planning to extend its service to Tama City, which is in the western part of Tokyo. This extension will provide easier access to popular destinations such as Sanrio Puroland and Tama Zoological Park.
- Platform Doors: The Toei Ōedo Line is planning to install platform doors at all of its stations to improve safety and prevent accidents. This will also help to reduce noise levels and improve air conditioning efficiency.
- Increased Frequency: The Toei Ōedo Line is planning to increase the frequency of its trains during peak hours to reduce overcrowding and improve passenger flow.
- Renewal of Rolling Stock: The Toei Ōedo Line is planning to renew its rolling stock to improve passenger comfort and reduce energy consumption. The new trains will also be equipped with the latest safety features.
- Integration with Other Lines: The Toei Ōedo Line is planning to integrate its service with other lines to improve connectivity and provide more convenient travel options for passengers.
Overall, these future developments will help to improve the Toei Ōedo Line and make it an even more important part of Tokyo’s transportation network.